Similar to the previous season, the 2018 vintage experienced cooler than average conditions. Spring and early Summer delivered intermittent cool then moderate weeks before a run of below average temperatures in January and February. Late January rain led to a fear of disease, however a beautiful period of ripening followed with ample sunshine and strong daily sea breezes preserved vibrant fruit flavours and acidity. Our white varieties ripened with ideal sugar levels and high malic acid content for the third year running, resulting in a desire to allow some natural malolactic ferment in Chardonnays. Meanwhile the reds ripened slowly and gently through a dry Autumn ensuring fully developed tannins and a slightly riper and fleshier fruit profile to 2017.
Vasse Felix Classic Dry Red
A classic bright, lightly perfumed and succulent Margaret River Shiraz, characterised by its medium weight. This wine is an easy drinking, delicious style with light red fruit and a fine tannin profile.
$32.00 /750ml
VARIETAL | 98% Shiraz, 2% Malbec |
---|---|
APPELLATION | Cabernet Sauvignon |
VINTAGE | 2018 |
ALCOHOL | 14% |
CELLARING POTENTIAL | |
HARVESTED | Late March – Late April 2018 |
OAK | French oak barrique, 3-6 year old, 12 months average |
VOLUME | 750 mL |
ACIDITY | |
PH | |
RESIDUAL SUGAR | 0.40g/L |
BOTTLED | September 2019 |
Vintage Description
Winemakers Comments
WINEMAKER COMMENTS
The individual batches were sent separately, as whole berries, into stainless steel rotating fermentation vessels and fermented with 100% wild yeast. Before fermentation kicked off the batches experienced a few days of gentle soak, they were then pressed off when ferment completed. Open top and use of aeration during fermentation helped to promote a clean fruit perfume, soften the tannins and bring vivacity and life to the wine. The wine matured in barriques for 12 months imparting balance, complexity and softness, before being blended with a small amount of Malbec to contribute an additional deep fruit aroma.
Tasting notes
COLOUR
Bright ruby red.
NOSE
An inviting fragrance of raspberry and boysenberry with some high note bramble bush, juniper berry, a hint of aged cheddar and a whisper of vanilla.
PALATE
A juicy, luscious entry with light tannins and a dry finish. The flavours linger with wild raspberry, loganberry, and hints of white pepper and black cherry.